Download “Scum, Rise!”, the raw, piercing lead single by Detroit punk band Protomartyr, ahead of the release of their second album, Under Color of Official Right.
It felt like I wasn’t breathing during the intro of “Scum, Rise!”. The jagged guitar riffs are so claustrophobic and urgent that when singer Joe Casey’s drawling snarl cuts in, you’re forced a desperate breath as the song rises to a nihilistic call-to-arms.
This paradox, this juxtaposition of opposites, seems to be a recurring element for this band. “Scum, Rise!” seems to showcase pent up aggression in nonchalant ways (and this live recording of the band perfectly illustrates this). As heard on their debut album, No Passion All Technique, Protomartyr are at once chaotic and melodious, intellectual and brawny. Clearly their songs show seriousness and ambition, especially with Casey’s descriptive lyrics steeped in social commentary and local Detroit references. But at the same time, the band recorded the 14 songs of their upcoming album in a one single weekend.
That is seriously impressive. And I think I may have found my new favorite band.
You can hear “Scum, Rise!” on the latest Gimme Indie playlist and Under Color of Official Right is out on 8 April through Hardly Art.
Band photo by Angel Ceballos.